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AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JOHN T. NICCOLLAI - 4-8-2020

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JOHN T. NICCOLLAIWEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020

UPDATE ON COVID-19 PANDEMIC

A day doesn’t go by when your Union is not holding discussions with our Employers about member safety. Since early March, we have been stressing social distancing, hand washing and the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks and shields. Our Employers have heard our demands and now, with greater availability of protective equipment, we are seeing a much safer working environment. Masks are being distributed by many Companies for members, and we can expect that continuing to an even greater degree as this pandemic continues. We have also seen the use of plastic shields and the establishment of spacing mandates throughout the workplace. We urge all our Brothers and Sisters to use all the protective equipment and assistance provided because it’s part of working smartly and working safely.

The Union is also demanding that Employers prevent excess crowding of stores. Governor Murphy of New Jersey announced today that both customers and employees within food stores must wear masks. The masks for employees must be supplied by the Employer at no cost to the employee. In addition, he mandated that stores should operate at 50% of occupant capacity so as to prevent over-crowding. The mandate also requires that stores create physical barriers, where possible, to separate shoppers from clerks and baggers.

We still have not seen a significant change in the overall COVID-19 Pandemic, although the number of new cases appears to be slowing. The major problem is that the number of losses from the disease is rising from those sickened in previous days and weeks. This certainly is not the time to lessen our guard. If anything, it’s time to be even more vigilant so that we can flatten the curve.

Remember, your Union is here to help you through these turbulent events. The job you are doing is amazing; you are truly holding the fiber of our society together by allowing people to purchase food.